Watch out for scam, B&B owners are told

THE owners of bed and breakfast guest houses in Wiltshire are being warned to keep to an eye out for a scam which has been reported to police more than 20 times in just six months.

It involves a man booking into a B&B, saying a parcel will be delivered for him. He then checks in, collects the parcel and leaves, usually without staying overnight.

It appears within the parcel are mobile phones which are set up on contracts using fraudulent details.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said: “We are investigating a scam involving bed and breakfasts and guest houses and are warning owners to be vigilant.

“Between March and August more than 20 similar reports have been received across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. In many cases a man has booked a room for a night and subsequently advised that a parcel will be delivered for him.

“The man then arrives, checks in, collects the parcel and normally leaves without staying the night.

“It appears that the parcels contain mobile phones ordered for contracts set up using unknowing victims’ details.”

Detectives are now asking B&B owners who have encountered a similar situation to contact them on 101.